aka Commissioned Pastor Program

CRE-CP Program

This foundational curriculum is offered by audit to all who seek spiritual growth and want to equip for ministry. Course credit is required for ordained elders within the PCUSA who seek to be commissioned to a particular ministry.  Candidates for commissioning must come under the care of a minister of word and sacrament, complete a minimum of 12 of the course offerings (three from each area of study, including * class), as well as any experiential learning requirements deemed necessary for the particular pastoral service that is being pursued.

Course offerings for anyone who would like to learn! (Required for CRE-CP candidates)

Sacraments – July 25th, 9am – 1pm on Zoom (recommended but not required)

Learn the theology, polity and practicalities of communion, baptism, and weddings for CREs / candidates.                       Register here for $40 or request scholarship.

Church Administration & Finance – August 31st, 6 – 9pm on Zoom (recommended but not required)

This 3-hr seminar is for anyone wanting to learn better how to  manage church finances, church property, and personnel; comply with church governance laws; set meeting agendas, and other church administrative duties. Register here for $40 or request scholarship. 

Church Leadership in a Multicultural World – September 10-12 (required)                

This course will increase the students’ intercultural competency for leadership in a multicultural world.
 Register here $100 for CRE-CP credit, $40 for audit.

NEW SCHEDULE FOR 2026-27! (Complete 12 of course offerings including *Required)

May 2026 Intergenerational Ministry	June 2026 Polity for All	July 2026 Catch up on assignments, practice the material	August 2026 Catch up on assignments, practice the material
September 2026 Intercultural Leadership	October 2026 Comparative Religions	November 2026 Reformed Theology	December 2026 Soteriology
January 2027 Spiritual Leadership Development	February 2027 Homiletics	March 2027 Biblical Exegesis	April 2027 TBD

Additional Information

Who is eligible to attend?  Any church leader interested in furthering his or her understanding of  the Christian faith may attend any and all classes by pre-registration as long as space allows.  Only ordained elders in the Presbyterian Church may apply for consideration as CRE-CP.

What is the cost of each class and what are the requirements?  For individuals auditing the course, the cost is $40/class and there are no class requirements, though there will be highly recommended readings before each class. For CREs, the cost is $100/class and there will be pre- and post-reading and writing assignments. CREs are required to attend and complete all assignments for at least 12 of the 16 classes offered. Pre-registration is required for all classes.

What is the level of commitment for CRE-CP Candidates?  Approximately 15-30 hours/month for 12-16 months. This includes 5-10 hours of class preparation (usually readings), 10 hours of instruction, and 5-10 hours of post-class written and/or practicum assignment. CRE candidates come under the care of their local Session, must be supervised by a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbytery in which they will serve, and may be required to participate in directed experiential learning that further prepares the candidate for a specific ministry area.

Where are the classes held?  Classes are offered monthly, usually on the second weekend but with some exceptions. Most classes will be offered by Zoom from 7 PM-9 PM on Thursday and Friday evenings and in-person (available on-line for long distance participants) 8:30 AM-4:00 PM (with a lunch break) on Saturdays unless otherwise stated. In-person classes will be held at the Presbytery of San Francisco Education Center at 545 Ashbury Ave, El Cerrito, and at other locations in the San Francisco Bay Area as determined by the needs of the class members and instructors.

For more information:

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